An Oklahoma City man who was sentenced to life in prison for the 1991 slaying of a homeless man was released Monday after testing on DNA recovered at the crime scene failed to match him.

A judge vacated the sentence and dismissed the case against Johnny Tallbear, 61, ordering his immediate release.

Tallbear expressed wonder at the cellphone he was handed to speak to an Associated Press reporter after he finished a brisket taco at a downtown Oklahoma City restaurant.

Johnny Tallbear celebrates his release from prison Monday after being convicted in 1991 of first-degree murder charges in the death of a homeless man

Judge Glen Jones ordered his release due to new DNA evidence

'How do you use these things?' Tallbear asked when given the phone by Innocence Project attorney Karen Thompson.

Tallbear, who raised his arms skyward in joy as he exited the courthouse, said he feels '(A) very great sense of relief. I've been fighting this case for 27 years, ever since they put the handcuffs on.'

Thompson said the Innocence Project took the case at Tallbear's request and after examining evidence, including blood samples that were recovered at the scene and kept by the local crime laboratory, but failed to match Tallbear.